Alright, another chapter done, and things are slowly heating up. I have a feeling some of you may object to what I did in this chapter, but rest assured, it will be necessary as the story advances. So, read and enjoy.
Chapter 25
The taxi driver eyed the ominous looking factory complex belching smoke nervously as he stopped his car.
"Here you go, sir, Red Sand Industries. You sure you want to get out here? I've heard a lot of weird stories about this town." The driver asked as he received his fare and handed his customer his change.
"I'm sure." His fare, an older bald man wearing simple pants and shirt nodded and walked up to the factory gatehouse.
"Good afternoon." He greeted the young woman sitting inside.
"Can I help you sir?" The girl's tone was bored, but her eyes kept a very sharp look on him and the man noticed that one of her hands was kept just underneath the desk, most likely gripping a hidden weapon.
"My name is George Hammond. I'd like to speak with Ms. Summers." The man replied.
"One moment please." The girl picked up her phone and spent a minute talking quietly. "An escort will arrive shortly for you. Wait here."
A few minutes later, another young woman arrived and simply gestured for him to follow as she led him towards the command complex.
The first thing Hammond noticed when he walked inside the structure was the soft, echoing song that filled the halls. While the words were unrecognizable to him, the feeling of loss and sadness in the melody were palpable.
Finally, they walked into the building's chapel, and the source of the song was revealed. The structure was packed with girls, all of them on their knees, heads bowed low as they sang a mournful choir. There were puddles of tears beneath most of them, and from the looks of it, Hammond guessed they've been here for a while.
The reason for this somber ensemble was the body of a black-haired woman Hammond did not recognize that was placed on the chapel's altar.
It seemed his query noticed his entrance first as he suddenly found Buffy standing next to him.
"General, to what do I owe this unexpected visit?" Buffy's tone was weary and her haggard face was streaked with tear marks.
"I take it this is a bad time?" Hammond asked. He didn't know what had happened here, but he could sense it meant trouble.
"Follow me. We can talk in my office." Buffy led him away from the chapel. In the office, the funeral choir was only a faint echo.
"Do you mind telling me what happened? Who was that girl?" Hammond asked. He felt that his own problems could wait a bit.
"That was Faith Lehane, the Canoness of the Order of Our Valiant Sister. Almost three days ago she was killed when she saved my life from a sniper." Buffy replied in a pained whisper.
"I'm sorry to hear that." Hammond's tone easily showed his sincerity.
"Thank you, general. She will be missed greatly. She was a very unique individual. The Order won't be the same without her. You saw how they mourned her, didn't you?" Buffy said.
"I could tell they've been at it for a while. She meant that much to them?" Hammond asked.
"They've been in that chapel from the moment she was placed there, and their numbers have only grown as word spread. Some of them are fighting hunger, thirst and fatigue in order to remain in the chapel. To the Order, Faith was like their mother, an ideal they could look up to and strive to reach. I still remember when she came here. She was a broken thing afraid of her own shadow. But she overcame her weaknesses and became a woman I was proud to call a friend and fellow Slayer." The pride in Buffy's voice was almost tangible.
"You two were close." Hammond noticed how Buffy's voice sounded when she spoke about Faith.
"Yes, I considered her one of my closest friends. She was probably the only one that treated me normally, and for that I will be eternally grateful. She kept reminding me that I was more than just an Inquisitor or the Slayer. She reminded me that I was also human." Buffy smiled sadly. "And it was because of this she is dead."
"What do you mean?" Hammond frowned.
"The day she was killed, she came here, insisting I take some time off and relax. After I finally gave in, she took me shopping in the mall. The assassin struck just as we were heading back. She had managed to see the shooter before I did and pushed me out of the way just as the shot was fired. The bullet passed through her throat as she fell. By the time I brought her here, she was dead." Buffy explained, tears welling up in her eyes at the memory.
"I don't suppose you know who was behind this attack?" Hammond asked, already having a suspect in mind.
"It was the NID, of course. No one else has a reason to go after me. I have the Techpriests looking into the matter, but it seems they went old school on us in this plot. No digital trace linking the NID with this exists. Still, they should thank their lucky stars I still live. If I had died, command of all Imperial assets would pass onto Inquisitor Maybourne." Buffy smirked as Hammond winced. Since the man was off-world, it was easy to forget the terrifying authority he now wielded.
"Still, the Sisters are furious, and they're out for blood. I'm keeping them on a leash until their rage simmers down, but I'll tell you, I wouldn't want to be a demon in this town about now. Now, what brings you here, general?" Buffy asked.
"Well, you're not the only one with NID troubles. Over two weeks ago, the NID approached me, asking me to reconsider some of my policies. I politely told them to go to hell. A few days later, two men with the proper papers picked up my granddaughters from school and drove them home." Hammond began.
"A crude but effective tactic. I'm surprised they had the balls to try it." Buffy commented.
"Well, I got the message and a few days ago, I have officially retired from my position in the SGC. Since then, I am told things have gone to hell in a handbasket there. You're the only one I could think of that has the influence and the inclination to help me." Hammond added.
"Making a deal with the devil you know, huh?" Buffy grinned. "Don't worry, general. All I want is you back in command of the SGC. You are an effective commander with a well established reputation."
"How do you plan on accomplishing that?" Hammond asked.
"First, let's make sure the NID can't give us anymore trouble, then we'll…" Buffy paused when she noticed something. The mournful tune that filled the building had stopped, and she could hear cheers and the unmistakable hymns of praise to the Emperor.
"Something has happened." Buffy stood up and rushed to the chapel.
"By the Emperor." She whispered when they entered the chapel and saw what was going on. Every single Sister was on her feet, cheering loudly or taking part in the hymn filling the chamber and the reason for that was the sight of Faith, alive once more, floating a foot above the ground with a pair of large white etherial wings growing from her back. Her black hair had turned snow white, and her eyes blazed with golden light. Her body too radiated a faint, golden glow.
"How?" Hammond whispered. He wasn't a stranger of having people rise from the dead, SG-1 did that often enough for the novelty to wear off, but after three days?
"The Emperor has resurrected fallen martyrs and endowed them with a measure of His power when He felt a more direct intervention was needed. I didn't expect He could do so here, or even be inclined to do so. I guess I should learn not to underestimate Him." Buffy chuckled and walked up to Faith, who had landed, her wings fading from sight but the glow surrounding her remained.
"Thank you." With that, Buffy threw her arms around Faith, happy that her friend was back.
"The Inquisitor has a heart after all." Hammond commented when he noticed Xander standing next to him.
"Best not tell anyone. We don't want to spoil her image." Xander chuckled and walked forward, eager to witness the arrival of a Living Saint to their small group. Already, he could imagine the damage their weapons could do just by being blessed by Faith, not to mention Faith herself. With the kind of holy energy she radiated, demons would burst into flame just by being in her general vicinity.
"I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but how and why?" Buffy asked once she released her hug on Faith.
"After I saved you, I felt pain, then I slowly drifted away and found myself in a formless void. It was like walking through a thick mist. Then I saw it. His light blazed a path for me, and I found myself standing at the foot of the Golden Throne." Faith began. "The Emperor took some time to acknowledge me, and He would often pause between sentences, sometimes even words, but eventually, He managed to explain that He had an offer for me. I could ascend to heaven and receive my final reward, or return and become His weapon in this galaxy. For me, the choice was simple. I had to return to my friends and family."
"If the Emperor felt a Living Saint was needed here… The Tarot." Buffy exclaimed. "I've been casting it for the past few days, trying to divine a reason for this attack and all portents showed me the same thing. A storm is coming."
"He said so as well. Fortunately, we still have plenty of time to prepare. Oh, and I also have one more thing, given to my by the Emperor himself." Faith grinned and opened her right palm, showing three small pieces of golden metal.
"Throne on Terra. Those are shards of His armor." Xander exclaimed. He had the memories of seeing one when the Terminator Captain of his unit was repairing his damaged Crux Terminatus.
"Yes. One is for you, one for Buffy and one to bolster the spirit of the faithful." Faith grinned.
"I'll see what Willow can make with them. Please excuse me." Buffy walked out, followed by general Hammond.
"Mistress, my heart sings when I see you walk amongst us once more." Catrina, now dressed in Faith's armor knelt before her and held out the chainsword that belonged to Kendra and Faith.
"It is yours now, Catrina. You are my chosen successor, as Canoness and as Slayer." Faith grinned.
"I shall lead our Sisters in His name, but I can never replace you, mistress." The girl whispered.
"That was certainly impressive." Hammond whispered once they were back in Buffy's office while Xander had veered off to deliver the armor shards to Willow.
"And worrisome. A Living Saint is a powerful asset. Their presence has turned the tides of countless battles. I don't know what's coming, but the Emperor's message is clear. We're not ready for it." Buffy said grimly.
"Something far worse than the Goa'uld then?" Hammond's face was equally grim.
"I'd assume so. We'll have to increase our efforts considerably on all fronts, since we don't know just where this enemy will come from. Still, we must be smart about this and focus on one issue at a time or risk being overwhelmed. With this revelation, I can no longer afford the same level of tolerance I've shown to the NID as I have." Buffy sighed. While she understood the necessity, she still disliked killing humans.
"What do you intend to do?" Hammond asked, even though he felt he was better off not knowing.
"We have the names and locations of a number of high-ranking NID members. Tomorrow, I will dispatch Sisters to apprehend them, after which they will be offered the chance for confession and absolution." Buffy replied in a tired tone. The last few days took a serious toll on her, and it didn't look that would improve in the next few either.
"Meaning interrogation followed by execution." Hammond really wished he didn't ask, but for the people who threatened his granddaughters, he felt a rather small amount of compassion.
"I will also put some pressure on the President and Senator Kinsey to get you back in the SGC. I will have to brief Harry on the latest developments, and also contact Techpriest Felger and see just what is going on at the SGC. You are welcome to stay here until I can arrange for transport for you, general." Buffy offered.
"I need to get back to Los Angeles. I used the excuse of a family trip to come and speak with you." Hammond stood up.
"Then allow me to shorten your trip by teleporting you to our L.A. facility. I'll let them know to expect you." Buffy stood up as well and gestured for the man to follow her.
Almost two days later, Buffy felt that she had managed to catch up on current events and had arranged to meet with the president. The man didn't sound overly pleased, but he agreed to the meeting. Since she had a bit of time before the meeting was to take place, she decided to check on their prisoners.
"You won't get away with this you bitch. We'll get you for this." A man snarled at her from his cell as she walked inside the detention area.
"Cling to your delusions of power if you wish, Major and let them comfort you in your final hours. The fact remains, you will tell us everything you know." Buffy's tone was frigid as she stopped before the man's cell. "And there's nothing you or anyone else can do to change that."
"Start with him first. Make sure he begs for the Emperor's mercy before you grant it to him." Buffy turned to the few Sisters she had managed to train as interrogators.
"With pleasure, mistress. Would you care to observe?" One of the Sisters took a small black box and placed it on the man's chest as soon as the other two secured him to the interrogation table in the middle of the detention block so that the victim would be in full view of all other prisoners.
"I suppose I can spare a few minutes. Activate the exruciator." Buffy commanded and with the touch of a button, the torture device activated, sending a mass of ultra-thin wires deep throughout the man's body.
"Name all NID operatives in your cell, Major." The Sister leading the interrogation began.
"Fuck you." The Major snapped. In response, the Sister pressed a few buttons on the excruciator, causing him to howl in agony.
"Again, name all NID operatives in your cell." She asked again. When the man refused to speak, she gave him another jolt.
"I admire your resilience Major, but it is futile. You will tell us what we want to know. Hit him again, Wendy." Buffy's face remained calm as the man howled and thrashed in agony.
"Well, I should leave. Try to process at least one more after this one if you're able." Buffy got only an affirmative nod from the Sisters as they continued their grizzly work.
"Ms. Summers, may I ask how these fools messed up this time?" The President turned to the other two occupants of the room, namely Senator Kinsey and Colonel Simmons.
"Nothing serious, just a few bad calls. Like forcing General Hammond to retire by threatening his family for example." Buffy smirked as the President sent a glare at the two men.
"George Hammond is one of my best generals and a much better man than you two will ever be. You stay away from him and his family or I might just give into temptation and ask Ms. Summers to deal with you her own way." The President snapped at the two men, making them cringe from the threat.
"I thrust General Hammond will be back where he belongs soon?" Buffy asked.
"I'll have him reinstated at the SGC as soon as we're done here. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Was there anything else you wanted?" The President asked.
"A couple more. I also wanted to discuss the little bomb project currently underway at the SGC." Buffy continued.
"That bomb is our best option of sending a clear message to the Goa'uld that we're not someone to mess with. If you're asking us to stop it…" Kinsey finally found his voice.
"That's exactly what I'm asking, Senator. While I agree with you that we need to make it perfectly clear to the Goa'uld that attacking us will be far too costly to them, it is far too soon to send such a message. Yes, we can kick serious ass on the surface, but the Goa'uld still have massive space superiority. And until we bridge that gap, we must act cautiously. Our ships will send a much stronger message than a simple bomb sent through the Stargate anyway. Still, the weapon shows potential and it might yet see some use in the future, so I'm not really asking you to scrap the project." Buffy explained.
"I agree with Ms. Summers." The President raised his hand to silence any protests. "There's no point in provoking the Goa'uld now that they're too busy jumping at each others throats to bother with us."
"The last issue I'd like to address is the recent attempt on my life by the NID." Buffy said with a pleasant smile on her face but her eyes were hard and predatory.
"Come again?" The President blinked in surprise. The NID couldn't possibly be that dumb, could they?
"A few days ago, a sniper tried to kill me. Fortunately for all of us, the plot failed. Otherwise, I'd be dead, and you'd be dealing with my 2IC, Inquisitor Maybourne." This reminder was not received well by the three men. Harry had a huge axe to grind with all three of them.
"Yes, it seems you forgot about that little fact. And let's not forget about the hundreds of murderous female zealots which by the way are very happy your assassin managed to nail their Canoness when she pushed me out of the way." Buffy continued, making the trio pale further. "Fortunately, I am alive and keeping them on a very short leash until things simmer down. However, I had to appease them somehow, so a number of NID agents have recently been apprehended by my forces. If we uncover any illegal operations from their interrogations I will make sure to inform you, Mr. President."
"Wait, you can't just go around and arrest US citizens." The President protested.
"Mr. President, no one regrets this action more than myself. I don't like killing humans, even when it is proven necessary, but the NID have left me no choice in the matter. All of you must understand that we both want the same thing, even if our methods might differ. I don't step on your toes and I expect the same courtesy in return." Buffy gave the President a firm look.
"I will have to ask you to coordinate any future such actions with my own agencies." The President sighed, realizing that arguing over spilt milk was futile.
"Hopefully, there won't be a need for it. I do have one last issue I wanted to talk about. I'd like to invite you tomorrow to the SGC. I'm sending something special to Harry." Buffy grinned.
"Something special?" Kinsey perked up.
"Yes. You could say it is our latest weapon against the Goa'uld." Buffy smiled.
"Alright. I daresay you've gotten me curious. We'll be there." The President nodded.
"Excellent. See you tomorrow at four, Colorado time." With that, Buffy stood up and vanished in a flash of light.
"How many times do you have to embarrass yourself before it becomes unbearable, Kinsey?" The President sent one last jab at his least favorite Senator before he and Simmons left.
The next day, by the time the President and his entourage arrived, the gate room was already full. A number of SGC staff were gathered around General Hammond, welcoming back their newly reinstated CO, while to the side, Willow was busy talking to her Techpriests in sharp bursts of binary.
Buffy was talking to Kendra, surrounded by a dozen Celestians in full armor.
"Ah, Mr. President, just in time. We were about to open the gate." Buffy rushed to meet him. Unlike the simple business suit she usually wore to their meetings, she wore her full Inquisitor regalia, giving her a far more intimidating look.
"Then don't let me stop you." The President smiled, eager to see just what the Imperials would pull out their sleeve this time.
"General, if you'd be so kind?" Buffy turned to Hammond, who simply turned towards the control room. "Walter, dial New Cadia."
"Sisters, take your places." Buffy snapped the moment the gate activated and the Celestians positioned themselves on both sides of the gate. Instead of the usual ranged weapons, they were equipped with power swords, which they raised in salute.
"Everyone, it is with the highest honor that I present to you, Saint Faith the Protector, Living Saint of the Immortal God-Emperor of Mankind." Buffy shouted as Faith appeared in a flash of light, hovering a foot above the floor, her wings spread wide behind her.
"Go, and spread His light to His children." Buffy grinned when Faith winked as she passed her and floated right into the Stargate.
It took the gathered crowd several minutes to recover from the surprise, which was helped along by the sight of General Hammond giving Buffy a handful of bills.
"I told you they'd be struck speechless." Buffy smirked.
"How?" The President stammered.
"Faith was killed when she saved my life. However, the Emperor saw fit to return her to us." Buffy replied.
"You said you were sending a weapon, though." The President frowned.
"She is a weapon, Mr. President. The greatest tool we could have hoped for to disprove the divinity of the Goa'uld. With her by their side, our missionaries will be able to provide real, tangible proof of the God-Emperor's power." Buffy explained.
"My God. People will convert in droves." The President exclaimed.
"I certainly hope so. Consider the days of the Goa'uld numbered." Buffy's cheer soon spread throughout the room.